I have dreaded my Jury Duty for weeks now. Getting up early is not even close to being my thing, unless there is a poker tournament involved. Of course the one rainy day we've had in weeks was today. My alarm went off at 5:30 AM for a 7:45 AM show in the downtown San Diego Courthouse. Luckily I had a ride and didn't have to take public transportation which would have added at least another hour to my already absurb early morning. I avoid downtown at all costs because the traffic and parking situations are unbearable. The court does not provide parking only complimentary rides on public transportation. I was sure I wouldn't be selected to be a jurist so I made arrangements for today only.
After arriving on time, you have to go through the metal detectors just like at the airport, so I began taking off 3 of my 4 layers of clothing, jewelry, etc. Took another 15 minutes to put myself back together. There were at least 300 jury pool people so I thought "piece of cake", no way I'll get selected. Then they roll out the film telling you how important your duty is, and yadda, yadda, yadda. 20 minutes. Then Judge somebody comes in and gives you another pep talk and spirited discussion as to what to expect and thank you for your service. 30 minutes. Why can't I just read my book now, drink my diet coke and veg for the rest of the day?
Not to be, they begin calling groups of names and just when I think I'm safe I hear my name called. I follow the rest of the sheep up the escalators, take the catwalk across to the other building and report to a bench just outside my courtroom. Last time this happened to me they sent us home before even seating us. I fully expected this to happen again. Shortly after opening my book, the bailiff comes out and opens the courtroom doors. He explains when your name is called come to the door take your number and this will be your new name/number. Guess who was Juror #1? Now, generally I like being number one, but today I was hoping for - just go home.
About 45 potential jurors were assigned to my courtroom of which 12 will be selected with 3 alternates. Okay my odds are roughly 25%. Still feeling lucky. The bailiff tells us a few things and then the judge enters. All standard stuff. At the defendants table I notice there is only one person. I think where is the defendant and/or the lawyer? Turns out this is going to be a criminal trial with the defendant defending himself. Oh SNAP! this could get interesting. To further make the roller-coaster ride hands-free, the defendant, a legal immigrant, has a huge chip on his shoulder, not to mention doesn't speak english all that well.
For the next four hours the judge asks general questions of all of us. Do you know anyone in the room? Two people worked for the same company and knew each other, One person knew the judges father very well, then the gun questions started. Seems our case has to do with illegal assault weapons. There were several retired military people and other citizens with gun holdings. The questions were endless. This is where I almost fell asleep, except they really stressed for us not to. Then the stories about have you ever been around or involved in a shooting started. Two drive-bys, suicides, murder, muggings, carjackings, etc. I have led a blissfully sheltered life. It is unnerving to see this cross-section of society and how violence has touched so many of them. There were a few "I don't believe in guns people", several that didn't believe anyone should own assault weapons and more legal gun owners who had to list all of their guns and what training they had with them. So much info.
After gettting through the general questions, each potential juror is given a list of questions to which you must under oath answer all them publicly. The first couple - what do you do and what does your husband/partner and children do. I was truthful and said I don't do anything, but the judge wouldn't let that go. Have you ever worked? How much time to do we have? I ended by saying I play poker, it got a few snickers. The questioning then moved on to have you ever been arrested AND you have to say what for and what happened. Lots of DUIs and one guy who asked to tell the judge privately. My mind raced with that one automatically going toward PeeWee Herman. Then they ask if you had/have any dealings with anyone in law enforcement, if you have ever been on a jury and what was the outcome and can you be fair and unbiased in this case. I answered everything truthfully and was asked a few questions by the judge but got through it quickly. The next 45 people not so much, however, it was very interesting. There were a lot of professional people, (doctors, ex-military, paralegals, computer techs, corporate executives, and one poker player :)
After getting through 3/4 of the field the judge stops us for time and instructs the lawyers to asks the jurors any questions they may have. This is where the real funs begins. The defendant acting as his own lawyer, picks out several jurors to ask questions. He really never asks a question but lays out a scenerario where the police and the "system" has done him wrong". His tirade lists the intolerance of our country, legal system, religious affiliations, race and on and on. The judge sustains every objection the People make which sends him into a tailspin. The bailiff stands ready. I am fully awake now, thinking oh no, I might be on this jury. This case is going to be news worthy.
Just when I am sweating with anticipation the judge dismisses three people, the People dismiss three and the Defendant/lawyer begins. Guess who was retired first - number one again!!! I was sooooo relieved and although I got what I wanted, you can't help feeling that little bit of rejection as to why I'm not good enough. In my mind I think a middle-age white lady who doesn't own any guns probably in the defendants mind might not be sympathetic to a rabble rousing, illegal gun-toting, anti-American whirling dervish who for me has given new meaning to the metal detectors downstairs.
Let me just end by saying this, I will participate in my civic duty again and I believe that our justice system, while not perfect, is the greatest system in the world. You only have to get a taste like I did today to see to what lengths the judge went to make sure no stone was unturned to make sure this man got a fair trial and a fair jury. Her patience was tested time and again and she remained undeterred. While I selfishly feel happy I don't have to get up early, find parking or transportation, give up my free time or any of the thousand of little things that make jury duty painful I did get a glimpse into the greatness of our country and why maybe next time, I won't whine about my civic duty but rather embrace the opportunity to do just a little something for the country that has given me so much.
Besides....the entertainment is PRICELESS.
BEE A GOOD CITIZEN
